Windows 10

Dear oh Dear Microsoft
Over the years, I've been told I am too "Pro Microsoft" but the truth is I will criticise them and throw anger just as much as anyone. 
The recent one is forcing users to install Windows 10, now we all know why Microsoft are doing it - to cut off Windows 7/8 and ridiculous Vista.  They have been doing it ever since they released W10, they have pushed and pushed for everyone to upgrade.  I personally like W10 but I do not like edge, for my own PC I feel the need to wait another year at least.


Unfortunately those of us who work in Education will have learnt that software can be 10 years old but still be used.  Some companies are still not yet supporting Windows 10.  You also have to remember we are dealing with illiterate IT staff and students.  If anything looks a little bit different, everyone will panic and wonder what they have done wrong.


Testing
We are currently testing everything, from imaging to all the software packages.  We've already found a few snags but so far the testing is very positive.  So what next?

1. Allow a few staff to be imaged with the Windows 10
2. Setup an ICT suite with Windows 10

At this stage we should know if we are ready to move forward.  We would have to make sure staff are trained and know what they are doing so they can pass that on to students.
It's very important to test as much as possible and then use in real time practical day to day IT.  You would be surprised what a difference it makes.


ETA Windows 7
2020 JAN, this is the big cut off date when we need to be Windows 10.  We have not even considered Windows 8 or 8.1.  The main reason for this is, in my experience there is always that operating system we skip.  From the daunting Windows 98, buy a new PC Vista and forgetting the simple things Windows 8.  Vista was the only one that didn't really get a second edition, they had to do more work on that one to turn it in to Windows 7.


So anyway, forgetting the horrid OS's we have had over the years.  Windows 7 has to be gone from our system which means we will plan for a Summer 2019 perhaps at the start of the year to avoid the exams or start of September nightmare.  Gives us plenty of time to odd everything out, take our time and step by step get it right.


Looking else where?
We could look at Linux, Chromebook setups but let's face it.  Microsoft is still the leader on this branch, although not many PCs are being sold these days this in turn has little to do with Microsoft.  Let's face it, parents no longer need a pc for the internet nor checking their emails.  I keep hearing that Microsoft is dead, pc sales are low but as I said before - people now have a choice to buy a device fit for purpose.  People who use Windows/Office tend to be more professional and about productivity.  I know a University student who wanted anything with Office, she knows it, she uses it and although she has used other products she prefers the productivity level and ease of use.


When deciding the future you have to consider:
Cost implications - Schools are having budgets cut
Fit for purpose - no point spending £1000 on a piece of kit that will only do basic word and internet browsing.
Future proofing - avoid Intel Celerons or similar for any processor types, we stick to i3s.  With Windows 10, this should last plenty of time until the next stage is here.
The Users - They need to know what they are doing and needs to be compatible with everything you have.